Frequently Asked Questions

Membership

Meetings

Teleseminars

Conferences

Affiliations and Advertising

Publications

Essential Oil Safety

Members Only

Membership

Do I have to be an aromatherapist to join AIA?

No, everyone is welcome who have an interest in sharing and spreading the vision of aromatherapy. We have memberships for aromatherapists at the professional and clinical levels. We have memberships for non-aromatherapists. the associate member, and business memberships for aromatherapists and supporters of aromatherapy.

All you need is a few minutes to fill our the AIA membership application and a credit card or check for your membership dues. A new member packet will be mailed to you within 10-14 days. Join Now!

How can my organization join AIA?

Business membership is available for businesses directly associated with aromatherapy and has demonstrated support of the goals and objectives of AIA. The business is represented by one officer or other designated individual of the company, organization, institution, university, or clinic. Business memberships are available at different levels; for one member, two members, or three to five members.

How long after I join will I get my new member packet and membership certificate?

You will receive your members packet with your wall certificate within 10-14 days.

When I join, may I call myself an aromatherapist?

To call yourself an aromatherapist you must complete a certification training program through an educator, school, or college that issues you a certification or diploma as an aromatherapist, e.g. Certified Aromatherapist. Schools recognized by AIA.

Does AIA provide practitioner liability insurance for its members?

Members are able to obtain comprehensive liability insurance specifically tailored for aromatherapists, massage therapists, and bodyworkers through the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) organization. Learn more. Please note that AIA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is not permitted to directly provide practitioner liability insurance for its members.

Meetings

Does AIA hold meetings in my state?

AIA has State Representatives and Regional Representatives who hold meetings via teleconference and live. Connect with the Representative in your area to learn more about meetings and AIA.

Teleseminars

How do I sign up to attend a teleseminar? Teleseminars are a benefit of membership and no sign up is required of members. Not a member? You may participate by purchasing a registration. Click here to learn more and to register. If you want to listen to a past teleseminar you may purchase them from our store.

Conferences

What is the AIA conference?

The AIA conference is held biennially in odd numbered years. It is held at a hotel, usually lasts 3 days and includes a preconference and/or a postconference day workshop(s). There are keynotes addresses and lectures offering Continuing Professional Development (continuing education) credit. Get more information about our upcoming conference.

What is the annual meeting?

The annual meeting is the membership meeting that takes place each year at the conference or via teleconference for years in which a conference is not held. The meeting is an update to the members about what is happening in AIA, membership, education, and finances and for the purpose of electing directors and officers.

How can I exhibit at the conference?

If you want to exhibit and sell your product or services at the conference, you may request an exhibitor application by calling 877-531-6377 or download the Exhibitor Application. Space and booth assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis so it is important to get your request in early.

How can I present at the annual conference?

We issue a call for speaker applications for conference presenters with a deadline of December 17th for the following year. Applications are accepted for pre and or post-conference presentations. All applications are peer-reviewed by members of the Conference Committee. Priority is given to those applications that address the conference goals and theme.

Absolutely not. Member email addresses are strictly confidential. Advertisers have the option to reach our members by advertising in our monthly eNewsletter. Email addresses or any other member contact information shown on our website may not be used for marketing purposes. Please review our Privacy Policy.

Publications

How do I access the AIA eNewsletter?

The AIA eNewsletter is a member benefits; however, if you would like to receive a non-member version of the eNewsletter simply join our email list on the home page or send your request to be added to the email list to info@alliance-aromatherapists.org.

Essential Oil Safety

Are essential oils safe to use internally?

The AIA does not endorse the use of essential oils internally unless recommended by a health care practitioner trained at the appropriate clinical level. Internal Use Statement.

Is it safe to use essential oil “neat” (undiluted) on the skin?

Essential oils are concentrated substances, and because of this we do not recommend using them without diluting them first. Add essential oils to a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, almond, or others, before using. Diluting them in this way provides a measure of protection from skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even sensitization.

A general rule of thumb for diluting is to use a 1% dilution for children (aged 6 years and older); pregnant women; elderly adults; those with compromised immune systems, sensitive skin, or other serious health issues. A 2% dilution is acceptable for the average adult with no health issues. Higher dilutions can be used, depending on the situation and the health of the person they will be applied on. We recommend that you use the lowest dilution possible that provides effective results.

Note: A 1% dilution would be adding 3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier.

Can I use essential oils during pregnancy?

There are differing opinions regarding use of essential oils during pregnancy. Clearly it is important to understand safety issues for the use of essential oils and should be avoided when safety issues are uncertain. Use of Essential Oils in Pregnancy.

How do I learn about essential oil safety?

Essential oils complement conventional and alternative medicine. Always seek medical advice for serious health conditions. Information on the safe use of essential oils and the AIA Standards of Practice can be found within this website.

Should I use only “Therapeutic Grade” Essential Oils?

There are no official grade standards established by the FDA for the aromatherapy industry. Therefore, the terms “therapeutic grade” and “medical grade” are commonly used for marketing purposes only.

In seeking quality essential oils, purchase only from reputable sources who are capable of answering your questions and providing GC/MS and physical analyses. Bottles should be labeled with both the common and botanical name of the plant from which the essential oil is distilled. Be aware that some essential oils (especially rare and expensive oils) may be adulterated or extended. On the other hand, any reputable supplier of rare essential oils will declare on the label if the oils is diluted with a specific carrier oil. Certain essential oils, such as Sandalwood, Rosewood, Frankincense, and Myrrh continue to be unsustainably produced from dwindling resources. AIA does not support continued use of essential oils from threatened species, especially when there are viable alternatives.

Members Only

What can I find in the Members Only section?

The Members Only section features access to a number of valuable resources and information for enhancing ones practice and business activities, including:

The online and downloadable Membership Directory, providing you the opportunity to locate other AIA members.

Research Center containing information about the activities of the Research Committee and including a comprehensive Research Database of aromatherapy related research.

The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
The Alliance of International Aromatherapists does not endorse schools, endorse or test products, nor does it verify the content or claims made, either implicit or
explicit. AIA does not accept responsibility for the consequences of the use of this information or its most up-to-date accuracy. AIA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt research
and education organization under IRS section 501(c)(3).